Evaluation of fetal right coronary artery blood flow velocimetry

OBJECTIVES: In the present study fetal right coronary artery blood flow velocimetry was assessed. DESIGN: The prognostic value of the fetal right coronary artery blood flow velocimetry was evaluated in relationship with parameters of newborn's condition after birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in 102 cases of pregnancies complicated by pregnancy induced hypertension. Blood flow velocimetry was visualized from fetal right coronary artery and correlated with perinatal outcome parameters. RESULTS: Fetal coronary blood flow velocimetry was visualized only in 11 cases. Coronary blood flow velocimetry visualisation correlated with each parameter of after-birth evaluation. The method has the highest specificity (97.7%) and positive prognostic value (85%) concerning evaluation of newborn's condition. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal right coronary artery blood flow velocimetry visualisation is a late sign of chronic fetal hypoxia. This seems to be a factor which causes maximal coronary vessels dilatation and allows oxygenation of fetal heart muscle.